Gambia: History Corner Armitage High School, Georgetown, Clocks 90 Years - a Brief History Hassoum Ceesay (1983-1988 Batch)

10 January 2017
document

Lest we forget, in these times of political uncertainty and worry, this famous school located in Georgetown, is 90 years old this month. Before we venture into the story behind Armitage school , I wish to remind you that Armitage was opened in January 1927 by Governor Sir Cecil Armitage, whom the new school was named after.

Although popular wisdom has it that the school was for 'sons of chiefs', there was never a time when the school catered solely for sons of chiefs. It is true that chiefs were honoured with a school to educate their children, yet Armitage was more for protectorate children than specifically for sons of chiefs. However, at its earliest days chiefs patronised the chiefs. Chief Cherno Bandeh of Fulladu West (1925-1951) sent his son Makang to Armitage; Mama Tamba sent his son Sheriff; while Jewru Krubally chief of Basse (1924-1962) sent his son Ansumana to Armitage in the first years of the school. Other sons of chiefs like Sheriff Dibba also went to Armitage. Matarr Ceesay and Mama Tamba Jammeh, famous colonial era chiefs also went to Armitage, so did their children and grandchildren.

...

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.